Vaccines for Your Children

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.

Thanks to vaccines, your child is protected from these diseases

Most parents today have never seen first-hand the devastating consequences that vaccine-preventable diseases have on a family or community. Some diseases that are prevented by vaccines, like pertussis (whooping cough) and chickenpox, remain common in the United States.

Vaccine for Children Program

C-UPHD provides routine immunizations through the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. VFC is a federally funded program, administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, that provides free vaccines to eligible children ages 18 and younger. This program ensures that all children have access to immunizations, no matter their insurance coverage.

Keeping Track of Immunizations

Most of your child's vaccinations are completed between birth and 6 years. Many vaccines are given more than once, at different ages, and in combinations. This means that you'll need to keep a careful record of your child's shots. Although your doctor's office will also keep track, people change doctors, records get lost, and the person ultimately responsible for keeping track of your child's immunizations is you.

It's extremely important for you to track your child's vaccination records, especially if your state requires certain vaccines for child care or school. More information on finding, tracking and updating your child's records.

Vaccine Schedule

Most parents vaccinate their children according to CDC's recommended immunization schedule, protecting them from 14 potentially serious diseases before their second birthday. Vaccinating children on time protects them and anyone around them with a weakened immune system.

Immunization Requirements

Beginning fall of 2014, all students entering, transferring, or advancing into kindergarten through 12th grades will be required to show proof of receipt of 2 doses of mumps and 2 doses of rubella vaccine. In addition, students entering, transferring, or advancing into kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grades are required to show proof of receipt of 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Most students likely have already received the vaccine and simply need to provide the school with verifying documentation from their healthcare provider. To learn more, see the Minimum Immunization Requirements for Children Enrolling or Entering a Child Care Facility or School in Illinois, 2024-2025